As party-goers celebrate the holidays with friends and family, everyone should heed this warning from the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS): Keep the party off the road or be ready to face the consequences. Law enforcement will be out in force, beginning Dec. 16, to crack down on anyone caught drunk behind the wheel.

“After hearing about the dangers of drinking and driving time after time, most people have gotten the message that if they’re planning on drinking, they should always plan a safe way home,” said Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock. “But sadly, millions of Americans still think they are invincible and regularly choose to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.”

KOHS Director Boyd Sigler said parents should take note that young males particularly are at high risk, with nearly one-quarter admitting to riding in the past year with someone who should not have been behind the wheel.

“We know that the holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in drunk driving,” said Sigler. “Don’t let your 2010 end in an arrest, or worse, death. Remember, whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk!”

In December 2009, there were 520 crashes due to an impaired driver in Kentucky, resulting in 238 injuries and 11 fatalities. Nine of those killed were not restrained.

More information is at http://highwaysafety.ky.gov and www.StopImpairedDriving.org.

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